Praying At The Musallaa
The sunnah is to hold the `Eed prayer in the open. This outdoor place
of prayer is known as the musallaa. Abu Sa`eed al-Khudree () said:

"The Prophet used to go on the day of Fitr and the day of Adha
to the musallaa; and the first thing he did when he reached there was
perform the prayer."1

The `allaamah (great scholar) Ibn al-Haajj al-Maaliki said:

"The established sunnah for the prayer of the two `Eeds is to be
held in the musallaa; for, even though the Prophet said:

One prayer in this masjid (mosque) of mine is better than a thousand
prayers in any other masjid - except for al-Masjid ul-Haraam (the
Sacred Mosque of Makkah).2

Yet, and despite this great merit, he left it and went out (to
the musallaa) (on the days of `Eed)."3

Ibn Qud_mah said:

"The sunnah is to hold the `Eed prayer in the musallaa. `Alee ()
commanded with that; and al-Awzaa`ee recommended it - as did the
people of reason4;
it is also the opinion of Ibn ul-Munthir."5

As for the one who is incapable to go out to pray in the musallaa,
because of a weakness or old age, then he may pray in the masjid, and
there is no blame on him - in shaa'a 'Llaah.6
It should be noted here that the goal of holding the `Eed prayer in
the musallaa is to gather the largest possible number of Muslims in
one place.
However, we see in many counties today the establishment of many
musallaas, even without a need for them. The scholars have warned
people against such a thing7.
And these numerous musallaas have been turned into podiums set up to
declare loyalty to different parties and divide the word of
Muslims. Indeed, there is no might or power except from Allaah (SWT).

"He would take different routes on the day of the `Eed, going one
way and returning another one. It has been said that the wisdom behind
this is:

to greet the people of both routes,

so that the people of both routes will receive blessings from him (through his supplication, salaam, etc),

to fulfil the needs of the needy on both routes,

to display (by the Takbeer, etc.) the Islaamic rites,

(and the best opinion of all:) for all of these reasons, in
addition to other aspects of wisdom that are always associated with
his actions."9

After mentioning the above opinions, Imaam an-Nawawee (r) said:

"Even if the reason were not known, it would still be absolutely
recommended to follow his example; and Allaah (SWT) knows best."
10

Going Early
Imaam al-Baghawee (r) said:

"It is recommended for the people, as soon as they complete the Suhb
(morning) prayer, to head toward the musallaa and sit in their places
there, saying the Takbeers. As for the Imaam, he should arrive just at
the time of the prayer."11

Walking
It should be noted as well that it is recommended, for those who are
capable of doing it, to walk to the musallaa. `Alee (t) said:

This issue is discussed in depth by Shaykh Amad Shaakir in his commentary on Sunan at-Tirmithee. Also, the `allaamah al-Albaanee has a very important research on the subject published in a separate booklet titled "Praying the Two `Eed Prayers in the Musallaa Outdoors Is the Sunnah".
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